Blood test, sodium
Facility: Centura St. Catherine-Dodge City
Billing Code: 84295 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 84295
- Insurance Median: $60
- Cash Discount Price: $37
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 12.47x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare
Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $4.81 as the cost baseline. Rates below the baseline represent excellent value. In-network commercial rates commonly hover around 150% - 250% of Medicare, while rates exceeding 300% are elevated. Hover over the green and blue markers to view detailed calculations.
Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)
The negotiated rate at this facility is 1247% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1147%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.
Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator
Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.
Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates
Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.
| Carrier / Plan Group | Contract Rate Range | vs. Medicare Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Kaiser | $5 | 104% |
| Kansas Health | $5 | 104% |
| Cigna | $5 | 104% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $5 - $12 | 104% |
| Medicare (plans) | $5 | 104% |
| Aetna | $5 - $73 | 104% |
| Humana | $5 | 104% |
| Centura Employee Plan | $6 | 125% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $60 | 1247% |
| Wpaa | $64 | 1331% |
| Christian Health Aid | $73 | 1518% |
| Multiplan | $73 - $82 | 1518% |
| Health Partners Of Kansas | $82 | 1705% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For this blood test for sodium at Centura St. Catherine-Dodge City, the cash median price is $37.00, which is significantly lower than the facility's gross charge of $91.00. While many commercial payers negotiate rates ranging from $5 to $82, the cash price remains the most affordable option for patients without insurance or those with high-deductible plans. It is important to note that commercial negotiated rates often exceed cash prices due to administrative overhead and contract structures; for instance, the median negotiated rate across payers is $60.00, whereas the cash price is $37.00. Patients should verify their specific plan's allowed amount, as some insurers may pay less than the cash price, potentially leaving the patient responsible for the difference if they do not have a prompt-pay discount.
To ensure you are not overcharged, always request an itemized bill before paying, as summary bills can obscure individual line items and potential errors. Since over 80% of hospital bills contain mistakes, such as unbundled codes or services not rendered, asking for a detailed CPT-coded statement is the most effective way to reduce medical debt. Additionally, while the facility is in-network for many plans, the No Surprises Act protects patients from balance billing for out-of-network services at in-network facilities, though it is crucial to confirm that all ancillary services, such as specific lab components, are covered under the same network agreement. Finally, if you choose to pay out-of-pocket, inquire immediately about self-pay or prompt-pay discounts, which can further reduce the cost below the listed cash median.